Head of Partnerships

Job Grade: SVP

Department: Business Banking

Reports to: Chief Business Officer

Location: Head Office, Islamabad

Job Purpose

The Head Business Partnerships is responsible for developing and executing the Bank’s strategic partnership framework to drive sustainable business growth, institutional sales, liability mobilization, and ecosystem expansion. The role focuses on building high-value alliances, value chain partnerships, brand ambassador programs, and corporate relationships to strengthen the Bank’s asset and liability business while enhancing customer acquisition, market penetration, and digital adoption. The position also oversees the development of innovative partnership models, commercial negotiations, governance frameworks, and integrated campaigns in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to maximize business impact and long-term value creation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships, Alliances & Business Growth

• Develop and implement the Bank’s partnership strategy aligned with business objectives and growth priorities.
• Identify, onboard, and manage strategic partnerships across corporate, institutional, digital, and ecosystem players.
• Lead negotiations and establish mutually beneficial commercial arrangements and long-term alliances.
• Drive B2B and B2C business development initiatives to enhance customer acquisition and market penetration.
• Develop regional partnership strategies based on market dynamics, industry trends, and customer needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, industry bodies, and key stakeholders.

Brand Ambassador & Institutional Sales Management

• Develop and institutionalize the Bank’s Brand Ambassador Program to support liability mobilization and customer acquisition.
• Manage onboarding, target allocation, performance monitoring, and governance of Brand Ambassadors across regions.
• Coordinate with field teams to ensure effective execution of ambassador programs.
• Maintain centralized records and monitoring mechanisms for partnerships and ambassador activities.
• Drive institutional sales through alliances with corporations, associations, universities, value chains, and industry ecosystems.

Marketing, Ecosystem Development & Customer Engagement

• Collaborate with Liability Sales, Marketing, and Corporate Communications teams on partnership-led campaigns.
• Develop customized financial solutions and value propositions for partner ecosystems and customer segments.
• Work with digital teams to enhance customer journeys, digital onboarding, and ecosystem integration.
• Coordinate partnership success stories, campaigns, and product awareness initiatives across digital and social media platforms.
• Promote innovative partnership models leveraging fintech, digital platforms, and emerging technologies.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure partnership agreements and onboarding processes comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Lead contract negotiations, renewals, amendments, and commercial reviews while protecting the Bank’s interests.
• Establish governance frameworks and internal controls for partnership and ambassador management.
• Monitor operational, compliance, and reputational risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Provide insights on industry trends, regulatory developments, and partnership best practices.

Project Management & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution of partnership initiatives and project milestones.
• Monitor and report progress against business objectives, financial targets, and partnership KPIs.
• Develop management dashboards and performance tracking mechanisms for partnership portfolios.
• Ensure partnership initiatives align with the Bank’s strategic, digital, and commercial objectives.
• Support the CBO in management and board-level matters related to partnerships, ecosystem development, and institutional business.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Banking, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of relevant experience in business partnerships, corporate sales, institutional banking, or business development.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role.
• Proven experience in strategic alliances, value chain partnerships, and ecosystem-based business models.
• Strong exposure to liability business, institutional sales, and partnership-led growth initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Strategic partnership development and relationship management.
• Strong commercial negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong client orientation and relationship-building abilities.
• Strategic thinking with strong execution capabilities.
• Understanding of banking regulations, compliance, and governance frameworks.
• Experience in project management, business planning, and performance monitoring.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and drive organizational alignment.
• Adaptability and resilience in managing evolving business priorities.

Desired Skills

• MBA or equivalent Master’s degree.
• Professional certifications in Sales, Marketing, Partnership Management, Digital Business, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of digital banking ecosystems and fintech partnerships.
• Exposure to emerging business models and digital business solutions.
• Experience in developing innovative partnership and ecosystem-led growth models.

About Mobilink Bank

Mobilink Bank is providing banking services to over 64.22 million registered users including 21 million monthly active customers across Pakistan. With a hybrid model that combines traditional microfinance with mobile/digital banking technologies, the bank now operates with over 132 branches and 324,000 branchless banking agents and provides a USSD (GSM) based digital channel offering savings, micro enterprise (MSME) loans, small housing loans, remittances, collection (utility bills and loan instalments), mobile wallets, insurance, G2P, B2B & B2P payments; thus, playing a leading role in the promotion of financial inclusion. Mobilink Bank is committed to fostering a positive and productive workplace, and our core values reflect this focus. These values include promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging teamwork and collaboration, and prioritizing a customer-centric approach in all aspects of our business.

Why Join Mobilink Bank?

This is an opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a difference and playing a key role in driving transformative change. Our team is committed to empowering millions with the tools necessary to succeed in the digital age, and we're looking for a talented individual to join us in this endeavour.